Buffer Size
Definition
The number of audio samples processed at once by the audio interface before being sent to or from the computer. Lower values reduce Latency but increase CPU strain. Common values are 64, 128, 256, 512, and 1024 samples.
Context
Buffer size is one of the primary controls for managing the tradeoff between latency and system stability. During recording, lower buffer sizes (64-128) are preferred to minimize performer delay. During mixing, higher buffer sizes (512-1024) are used to allow more plugin processing without audio dropouts.
Related Terms
See Also
Beginner Context (from newbie-questions)
“Why am I getting crackles?” is one of the most common troubleshooting questions from beginners. The answer is almost always buffer size: increase to 512 or 1024 samples during mixing, use 64-128 only when tracking with software monitoring. See Troubleshooting.